Jonah Tong answers one NY Mets question, raises another

Thursday would have been Jonah Tong’s last chance with the New York Mets this year if he repeated what he did his last time on the mound against the Texas Rangers. There’s no way they could have afforded to use him again. Rushed to the majors out of necessity, he left many wondering if he was in fact ready for the show or not.

Fortunately, things went far better for Tong on Thursday versus the San Diego Padres. Throwing 5 innings with one unearned run which came largely as the result of an error by Tong and wild pitch, he surrendered just 4 hits and didn’t walk anyone. His 8 strikeouts were even more impressive considering half came versus the final 6 batters he faced in the fourth and fifth. He got better as the game went along, helping to answer one Mets question while raising another.

Question answered: Does Jonah Tong belong in the big leagues?

Yes. Oh, yes he does. Tong’s response to getting bludgeoned just over a week ago left no doubt. He is one of their 13 best pitchers who should remain in the big leagues. His best outing to date, Tong proved a trip to the minor leagues where he’d just sit on an empty roster doing nothing isn’t the next step.

So, what is it?

Question raised: Exactly what is Jonah Tong’s role with the Mets?

Tong looked good enough to stay in the rotation. However, with Kodai Senga potentially back for a start before the year is through and some other questions ruminating within the rotation, we can wonder if Tong should be considered one of their best five or six starters. Clearly, Nolan McLean belongs. Brandon Sproat has looked really good, too. It’s the rest of the group we could probably take or leave in any role.

Tong lines up to start one more game for the Mets before the season is over, facing the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field next week. Whether the Mets go with a six-man rotation or five, he’d probably get in there unless they have other plans.

The ball club has experimented with the “piggyback” of Clay Holmes into Sean Manaea. It’s something they’re hopeful to implement again, pending the birth of Manaea’s child. The idea of a second tag team within the rotation makes sense, too. Senga into Tong? It’s not unfathomable. Senga is a creature of habit and putting him in the bullpen would be a 180 degree turn on how carefully the Mets have always handled him. Tong, as the less senior of the two, would be the practical choice to go in behind him.

The Mets were already in need of a right-handed high-leverage option out of the bullpen. Failures of Ryan Helsley, Ryne Stanek, and more plus the loss of Reed Garrett for what looks to be the rest of the year could have the Mets quickly shifting Tong into the bullpen for some relief work. As the part of a duo with a scripted appearance, it might make it easier for the rookie to handle things.

Using pitchers in different or unique ways is nothing new for the postseason. Aces are asked to come in relief with the season on the line. Rest? Who needs it?

The Mets have an opportunity to more carefully plan their pitching for a possible playoff appearance. Tong has shown he has the stuff to be one of those pitchers. Over the last 9 games, they’ll need to figure out exactly where he fits in.